Go up against the land of Merathaim, and against the residents of Pekod. Kill them and devote them to destruction. Do all that I have commanded you," declares the LORD. Go up against the land of MerathaimThe phrase "Go up" is a call to action, often used in the context of military campaigns in the Old Testament. The Hebrew root for "go up" is "עָלָה" (alah), which conveys the idea of ascending or advancing. This is a divine command for judgment against Babylon, represented here by "the land of Merathaim." "Merathaim" is a term that means "double rebellion" or "double bitterness," possibly symbolizing the extreme sinfulness and rebellion of Babylon against God. Historically, Babylon was known for its idolatry and oppression, and this phrase indicates God's intention to bring justice. and against the residents of Pekod
"Pekod" is another symbolic name for a region or people associated with Babylon. The name "Pekod" can mean "visitation" or "punishment," derived from the Hebrew root "פָּקַד" (paqad), which involves the idea of overseeing or appointing. This suggests that the residents of Pekod are marked for divine visitation and judgment. In the broader biblical narrative, Babylon represents the epitome of human pride and opposition to God, and this judgment is a fulfillment of God's promise to hold nations accountable for their actions. Put them to the sword
This phrase is a common biblical expression for executing judgment or warfare. The "sword" is often a symbol of divine justice and authority. In the Hebrew context, the sword represents the means by which God enacts His righteous judgment. This is not merely a call for physical destruction but a representation of God's sovereign power to judge nations according to their deeds. and completely destroy them
The command to "completely destroy" is from the Hebrew word "חָרַם" (charam), which means to devote to destruction or to utterly annihilate. This term is often used in the context of holy war, where certain things are set apart for destruction as an offering to God. The complete destruction signifies the totality of God's judgment against sin and rebellion, emphasizing that nothing opposed to God's holiness will remain. declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" is a prophetic formula that underscores the authority and certainty of the message. The Hebrew word for "declares" is "נְאֻם" (ne'um), which is used to convey a solemn and authoritative pronouncement. This is not merely a human prediction but a divine decree from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It assures the reader that the judgment against Babylon is not only inevitable but also part of God's sovereign plan to uphold justice and righteousness in the world. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah is known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel and the surrounding nations. He is the mouthpiece of God in this passage. 2. MerathaimThis term is often understood to mean "double rebellion" or "double bitterness." It is likely a symbolic name for Babylon, representing its rebellious nature against God. 3. PekodA region or tribe associated with Babylon, possibly representing a specific group within the Babylonian empire. The name can mean "visitation" or "punishment," indicating impending judgment. 4. BabylonThe empire that conquered Judah and Jerusalem, leading to the Babylonian exile. In this context, it is the target of God's judgment. 5. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is executing judgment against Babylon for its sins and rebellion. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod's command to go against Merathaim and Pekod highlights His ultimate authority over nations. Believers can trust that God will bring justice in His perfect timing. The Consequences of RebellionMerathaim, meaning "double rebellion," serves as a reminder that persistent rebellion against God leads to destruction. Christians are called to examine their lives for areas of rebellion and seek repentance. The Certainty of God's PromisesJust as God fulfilled His promise to judge Babylon, He will fulfill all His promises, both of judgment and salvation. This assurance should encourage believers to live faithfully. The Role of ObedienceThe command to "do everything I have commanded you" underscores the importance of obedience to God's directives. Christians are called to follow God's commands wholeheartedly. Hope in God's JusticeWhile the passage speaks of destruction, it also points to the hope that comes from God's justice. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God will ultimately right all wrongs. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the meaning of "Merathaim" and "Pekod" enhance our understanding of God's message in Jeremiah 50:21? 2. In what ways does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50 relate to the broader biblical theme of God's judgment against sin? 3. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty in judgment to current global or personal situations? 4. What areas of "rebellion" might we need to address in our own lives to avoid the consequences seen in Babylon's fate? 5. How does the certainty of God's promises, as seen in the fulfillment of Babylon's judgment, encourage us in our daily walk with Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the inevitability of His judgment against nations that oppose Him. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly systems opposed to God. Jeremiah 25:12This verse speaks of the seventy years of Babylonian dominance and the subsequent punishment of Babylon, reinforcing the theme of divine justice. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Affirmation, Commanded, Completely, Death, Declares, Destroy, Destruction, Devote, Double, Inhabitants, Kill, Merathaim, Meratha'im, Orders, Pekod, Posterity, Pursue, Rebellion, Says, Slay, Utterly, Visitation, WasteDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:20 6175 guilt, removal of
7145 remnant Library The Kinsman-Redeemer
'Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name: He shall thoroughly plead their cause.'--JER. l. 34. Among the remarkable provisions of the Mosaic law there were some very peculiar ones affecting the next-of-kin. The nearest living blood relation to a man had certain obligations and offices to discharge, under certain contingencies, in respect of which he received a special name; which is sometimes translated in the Old Testament 'Redeemer,' and sometimes 'Avenger' of blood. What the etymological …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureCovenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
"And Moses returned unto the Lord and said. Oh! this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou--wilt, forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray they, out of thy book which than hast written." In the preceding discourse we endeavored to show that the idea of being willing to be damned for the glory of God is not found in the text--that the sentiment is erroneous and absurd--then adduced the constructions which have been put on the text by sundry expositors, …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist …
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Saved by Grace;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD: SHOWING-- I. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED. II. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED BY GRACE. III. WHO THEY AEE THAT ABE SAVED BY GRACE. IV. HOW IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE SAVED BY GRACE. V. WHAT SHOULD BE THE REASON THAT GOD SHOULD CHOOSE TO SAVE SINNERS BY GRACE RATHER THAN BY ANY OTHER MEANS. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS admirable Treatise upon the most important of all subjects, that of the soul's salvation, was first published in a pocket volume, in the year 1675. This has …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 50:21 NIVJeremiah 50:21 NLTJeremiah 50:21 ESVJeremiah 50:21 NASBJeremiah 50:21 KJV
Jeremiah 50:21 Commentaries
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